Tarine Fairman
Tarine Fairman, a 49-year-old businessman from the United States, appeared for the first time before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on three counts of conspiracy to defraud contrary to law, forgery contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Forgery Act 1913, and fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the specifics of the offence, on various dates between February 2021 and December 2023 in the western area of Freetown, he conspired with other unknown individuals to commit a felony, namely forgery. Count two further stated that on the same date and location, he forged certain documents, specifically a DDF F-TCH Africa Sierra Leone Limited company status report dated January 24, 2020, and increased his percentage stake to fifty percent instead of five percent, as stipulated in the memorandum and articles of DDE D-TECH Africa Sierra Leone Limited.
Count three also stated that on the same date and place, the accused fraudulently converted to his use or benefit certain property, that is, the total sum of two million, nine hundred and twenty-four thousand, seven hundred and thirty thousand United States dollars ($2,924,730) meant for mining operations in Kono District.
When the charge was read and explained to the accused, no plea was entered.
Roland Wright Esq, the accused’s defence counsel, applied for bail on his behalf under Section 79 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
The Prosecutor, Chief Superintendent of Police Juan M.S Bull, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ibrahim S.Mansaray, and Associating Counsel Jessie M. Jengo, requested a short adjournment date for a proper conference with his witness.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Kekura denied bail and committed the accused to a male correctional facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned until July 26, 2024.
